EMT time

[Zub]

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Hey people
Over the last quarter i've toyed with the idea of taking an EMT class at UCLA. However, i'm already taking 17 units and the EMT class requires 16 hours a weekend just for the class. My other classes aren't *too* difficult....but if there's a lot of out of class work needed...I'm not sure if I can handle. What's the norm for studying for an EMT class?

 

[manicmaven]

I hardly ever studied for mine. Took full time classes, worked nights and took the EMT course and didn't really sweat it. For the first level class, much of it is common sense and you'll pick up what you need to know in class. I did study for the boards...especially pediatrics and ob/gyn emergency situations. Many people seem to do (relatively) badly in both.

 

[biofreak126]

Hey Zub!

I actually took the UCLA EMT class and being a graduate from UCLA with a biology degree, I found that the classes I had already taken made it so that I rarely had to study for the EMT tests and could get most things down after going over them once. Some of the practicals require a little practice and there's some memorization involved, but it's pretty easy stuff, especially if you are interested in medicine and have some previous exposure to first aid/CPR. I took the weekend class and the only problem is that you're only supposed to be allowed one abscence, so if you have a midterm or something to study for, you may have to go to a weeknight EMT class to make up what you missed. 17 units is a lot to take at UCLA, but I guess it'll depend on what you're taking. If your classes aren't that tough then you can probably handle the EMT, even though it kinda sucks giving up weekends for eight weeks in a row. If you want any more info about the EMT class or if you want to tell me what classes you're taking so I can tell you if I think it would be too much, feel free to PM me. I hope this has been helpful. By the way, I really did enjoy the class. UCLA has some great instructors with some really funny stories.

 

[Zub]

Thanks bio and everyone for the input!

I'm currently taking
Calc 31B (second course in the series)
Chem 14A (first class in the series)
history 99 (it'll take quite a bit of work)
history 126c (easy)

 

[Zub]

Also....could u guys tell me what job opportunities are out there for an EMT...I'd like to get a job this summer in a hospital! =)

 

[PluckyDuk8]

When I was applying for jobs, I found that some hospitals will accept an EMT B for an ER tech, but some require medical assistant/tech training. Also look out if they will train you in phlebotomy or if they require it upon hire.

 

[HamOnWholeWheat]

Depending on the area, there aren't many paying EMS jobs for an EMT-B. In my area, there aren't any ER Tech jobs either (too many EMT students to provide similar services for free). As far as adding EMS to your current schedule, I would definitely do it. I found my EMS classes to be waaaaaayy easier than any college class I've ever taken. I took 16 credits of real classes last semester (Orgo 2, Bio 2, Biochem, Organic Lab, Microbiology) and 12 credits of EMS (EMT-P) and did just fine. If anything, bring your organic textbook to your EMS classes and sit in the back.

Good Luck,

HamOn
NREMT-P

 

[biofreak126]

Hey Zub..I think with your schedule the EMT class won't be too much. As far as jobs go, EMT ambulance companies are hiring all the time. That's because, as they explain in the class, EMT-B is just a stepping stone to something bigger like a paramedic or nurse because of the low pay they get. During the course, representatives from American Medical Response, Schafer, Gerber, and one or two others come during lunch and explain the benefits of working for each and to give applications. As far as ER Tech jobs, I hear they are hard to come by, but if you're lucky enough to get one, they pay more than working in an ambulance. Also, as long as you're a UCLA student, you can work for UCLA EMS. By the way, to pass the course, you have to do either a 10 hour ambulance ride-along or a 10 hour clinical rotation in an ER. I did mine at Santa Monica/UCLA medical center and it was awesome. One of the skills instructors for the course worked there as an ER tech and he said he just got lucky finding that job. I also know that the UCLA Center for Prehospital Care is always looking for skills instructors. They take people as soon as they pass the class, so this might be another idea for a summer job. I think they pay 10-something an hour.... So after all that, take the class. You'll enjoy it.

 

[Zub]

Haha....I just PMed you asking all those questions!=P
Thanks for all the info...Looks like it's something I'm gonna be doing! =)